If you ever caught me DJing at Gin ‘n’ Sin at the Niagara in the 1990s, or if you’ve just been to one of my parties, you know the key role James Last plays in my social life.

The German bandleader, whose rock medley-stuffed Non Stop Dancing records can be found in every thrift store bin, has died at 86 years old. The records were the sound of a square culture learning to have fun, complete with a singalong choir to help the listener get into the groove.

I’m working on a street installation project with Flying Pony’s Andrew Horne. The finished design will be over 15 feet high and feature cut-out cartoon heads by Horne and myself. We’re unveiling the project, Bazaar Bizarre, at the Festival of South Asia along Gerrard Street in Toronto on August 23 and 24.

I drew nearly two dozen heads for us to choose from, including this suite of Canadian mammals that didn’t make the cut (we went with mostly imaginary beasts).

Anyone want to commission me to paint their children’s room or design their tattoos? I think this artwork has (ahem) legs.